Understand the Water-Energy Nexus
Provided by: Stanford Understand Energy|Published on: August 29, 2026
Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12, AP
Type: Articles/Websites
Subjects: Earth and Space Sciences, Geography
Authors: Stanford Understand Energy
Region: Global
Languages: English
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This article explains the water-energy nexus, the interdependent relationship in which water is used to produce energy and energy is used to extract, treat, and deliver water.
- It covers water withdrawal, consumption, and contamination, how thermal power plants use cooling systems, and how clean energy transitions and desalination are changing water use.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- This article shows important connections between water and energy systems and the global climate, making it useful for units on energy resources, water resources, or human impacts.
- The diagrams of cooling systems and the Sankey diagram of U.S. water consumption can support classroom data-interpretation and modeling activities.
Extensions:
- Have students pick an industry, product, or facility (e.g., agriculture, data center) and research its consumption and uses of water.
- Ask students to construct a Sankey diagram of water or energy consumption in their region.
Sustainable Development Goals Connections:
- This resource can be used to make connections to Sustainable Development Goal 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and Sustainable Development Goal 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Stanford Understand Energy
Stanford University’s Understand Energy Learning Hub provides free access to Stanford course content on energy resources from fossil fuels like oil and coal to renewable resources like the wind, the sun, and efficiency; energy currencies like electricity and hydrogen; and energy services such as transportation and buildings. Explore the Hub and build your energy literacy to address climate change and sustainability issues, engage on equity and human development challenges, participate in energy industry markets and technology innovations, and make informed energy decisions.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
